Tyler Madden aims for a Northeastern Beanpot Three-peat

The Beanpot tournament is a local college quad-duel that takes place on the first two Mondays of February each year in Boston, Massachusetts. It was established in 1952 and has evolved into must-see hockey battles for local full-of-beans shinny supporters.

For most Vancouver Canucks’ fans, the annual struggle between Northeastern University, Harvard University, Boston College and Boston University first became of interest in 2018 when their prized late round prospect Adam Gaudette came to prominence.

Gaudette went on to lead Northeastern to the Beanpot championship ending a 30-year drought for his school. He has since established himself in the NHL as the Canucks’ promising third line center.

With Hobey Baker Award winner Gaudette moving on to start his professional career, it seemed that British Columbia’s one year love affair with the tournament was over. But then new suitor Tyler Madden assumed the mantel of heroism at Northeastern University. The Canucks’ third round 2018 NHL Entry Draft pick (a first round pick in many re-drafts of that year) sought to repeat Gaudette’s success and succeed he did.

Who can forget his unique snow-angel celebration after scoring in overtime to send his team to the championship game.

Madden then went on to lead them to a repeat of Gaudette’s 2018 tournament victory.

This year Madden looks to repeat his success and three-peat Northeastern’s Beanpot run, while he also tries to duplicate Gaudette’s Hobey Baker accomplishment. He is one of the NCAA’s top candidates for the honour.

At this year’s Boston saw-off, Madden will be joined by fellow Canucks’ draft choice Aidan McDonough. The 20-year old freshman is blossoming in his first season netting 8 goals and 11 assists for 19 points in 19 games. The 6’3” power forward and Madden have formed some clear chemistry on the ice. They have become a lethal powerplay duo for the Huskies.

Meanwhile, Harvard’s rearguard Jack Rathbone will be playing in his second consecutive Beanpot challenge. Last year in his freshman college season his Crimson club was relegated to play in the consolation game. In 2018, Gaudette and company unseated the 2017 Beanpot victors Harvard. The Vancouver Canucks’ 20-year old, fourth round 2017 pick will be looking to return the men-of-deep-red to Beanpot glory.

Rathbone is a point-per-game defender in his second NCAA season putting up 16 points in 16 games so far. He will be looking to snatch franchise bragging rights from his potential future Canucks’ teammates. He has been out of the line-up recently due to an injury but may be able to return to play in the tournament.

The 2020 Beanpot tournament will be televised across the continent this year. It will be a great opportunity for Canucks’ fan to check out three NCAA prospects all of whom could decide to turn pro with Vancouver as early as March 2020.

The first game will pit Madden and McDonough against Rathbone. The winner of that game will play in the Championship game. The loser will compete in the Consolation game.

Catch all four games locally on TSN2:

Monday, Feb. 3rd Northeastern vs. Harvard 2:00 p.m. PST

Monday, Feb. 3rd Boston College vs. Boston University 5:00 p.m. PST

Monday, Feb. 10th Consolation Game 1:30 p.m. PST

Monday, Feb. 10th Championship Game 4:30 p.m. PST